Prasoon Katdare

The year's already off to a good start for Samsung with the Galaxy S23 launch. That's brought the best Samsung phone overall — Galaxy S23 Ultra — but the standard S23  and the big-screen S23 Plus have their strengths, too. And if you're really looking to save, the Galaxy S22 remains a part of Samsung's lineup at a reduced cost.

Speaking of saving, Samsung has introduced the midrange Galaxy A54, an impressive phone in its own right. At a time when people might be reluctant to splash the cash on a flagship phone, the Galaxy A54 delivers some outstanding features in a more affordable device that makes only modest sacrifices in terms of performance.

Whether it's budget devices like the Galaxy A54, flagships like the S23 or some of the top foldable phones, Samsung delivers a diverse set of offerings reflected in our list of the best Samsung phones. See what you can save with the best Samsung Galaxy S23 deals along with our Samsung promo codes.

If you do wind up grabbing a Samsung device, make sure you check out the first app you should install on your Samsung Galaxy phone and all of the Samsung hidden features that will change the way you use your phone.

As well as being the new top Galaxy S model, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is also one of the best phones around generally, beating even the usually indomitable iPhone on photography and performance in some areas.

The new 200MP camera proves to be very versatile, offering wonderful detail and color depending on your priority. The special Galaxy-only version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers lots of power, while the display is as colorful and bright as ever, even though Samsung's improved the phone's power efficiency.

Samsung's still asking for a lot of money for this phone, and has stuck with a curved display, even if the angle's less extreme than previous years. We're also unimpressed by its charging speed, which even at 45W is a bit slow.  But if you've got the cash to splash, you won't get a better Galaxy phone right now than this one.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

The Galaxy A54 provides a low-cost alternative to Samsung's Galaxy S flagships, but don't dismiss it as a mere budget device. Samsung has packed a lot of value into the A54, starting with the same 50MP main camera that the Galaxy S23 uses. That camera helps the Galaxy A54 produce quality photos that outshine many of the other camera phones in its price range.

The Exynos 1380 powering the Galaxy A54 doesn't exactly impress in terms of performance, but it does help the phone last a long time on a charge. (The 5,000 mAh battery plays a role, too.) And we like the fact that Samsung didn't rest on its laurels with last year's Galaxy A53 display, making the Galaxy A54 screen even brighter than before.

As impressive as the Galaxy S23 models are, not everyone can pay $799 or more for a new phone. The Galaxy A54 means you don't have to, and you can still get a very capable device in return.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy A54 review.

The changes that Samsung made with the Galaxy S23 lack the pizzaz of some Galaxy S23 Ultra features. Nevertheless, there are some solid improvements over past Galaxy S flagships, largely driven by the introduction of the customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Not only does this silicon bolster the Galaxy S23's performance, it also helps improve battery life over last year's model, addressing one of our key concerns about Samsung's flagships.

Samsung also improved the Galaxy S23's display, giving it the same maximum brightness as the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra screens. Throw in some worthwhile if not earth-shattering photo processing improvements, and this is certainly a solid addition to the Galaxy lineup. At $799, it's the Samsung flagship most people can afford, and they'll be getting plenty of premium features for their purchase.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S23 review.

Everything you get from the Galaxy S23, you'll find in the Galaxy S23 Plus, only with a much bigger screen. It's the best Samsung phone to get if you prefer super-sized displays but can't swing the Galaxy S23 Ultra's $1,119 starting price.

While screen size is the most prominent difference from the standard S23, it's not the only way the Galaxy S23 Plus stands out from its smaller sibling. You also get a bigger battery that helps the S23 Plus last nearly 11.5 hours on our battery test — an outstanding time. And the phone charges at 45W speeds, too, allowing you to top off that battery faster.

Otherwise, there's little difference between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus, though we'd say that's a good thing. You can expect a bright, beautiful display, good cameras, and four years of Android software updates. That should be more than enough for fans of big-screen phones.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 takes the best foldable phone and makes it better in multiple ways. For one, Samsung and Google made it much easier to multitask by adding a taskbar, and you can now drag and drop content between more apps when you're running them side by side.

We also really like the improved camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, headed up by the same 50MP main sensor as the Galaxy S22 series. In our testing, the Fold 4 held its own against the iPhone 13 Pro Max and beat it in a few shots.

Other highlights of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 include a slimmer hinge and narrower bezels, as well as a brighter main display. The battery lasted longer, too, in our testing.

However, $1,799 is still a lot to spend on a phone — even one that doubles as a tablet — and this is still one thick and heavy device. But if you want a foldable phone that can do it all, this is it.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is an impressive foldable phone for someone who wants a big screen in a compact design. Not only is the design ever so slightly sleeker, the battery life has vastly improved over the Galaxy Z Flip 3 last year. In our custom battery life test, the Flip 4 went for considerably longer than its predecessor.

The folding 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is beautiful, even though the display crease remains very noticeable. The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 certainly makes this foldable a little powerhouse, turning in excellent scores in our benchmarks.

While the cameras saw minimal upgrades this year, the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s night mode is something to behold. It gives Apple and Google a run for their money, but daytime photos could be better.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review.

Does the Galaxy S22 get better with age? Perhaps not, but the fact that Samsung cut the price on this phone by $100 after the arrival of the Galaxy S23 makes it an attractive option for bargain hunters.

Our Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22 face-off addresses the differences between these two phones, but the upshot is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset in the newer phone gives a big boost to both performance and battery life. There's not much difference in the cameras, though, and while the Galaxy S23 display has a higher maximum brightness, the Galaxy S22 is plenty bright in its own right.

Thanks to Samsung's generous update policy, the Galaxy S22 can expect another three years of software updates. If you don't need the latest and greatest hardware, this older model could be your chance to save on one of the best Samsung phones.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S22 review.

Just as the Galaxy S22 remains around after the Galaxy S23 though at a reduced cost so does the Galaxy S21 FE. Samsung now offers this stripped-down variation of 2021's Galaxy S21 for $599 — the same price at as the Galaxy A53.

That's an attractive price for a phone that shares many of the Galaxy S21's features. (The S21 FE has less RAM than its counterparts and you have to manually adjust the display's refresh rate.) Then again, the Galaxy A53 is no slouch either, and new versions of the Galaxy A series will be here before you know it. If you absolutely need a new phone now and $600 is the limit of your budget, the Galaxy S21 FE is a decent enough option with a still solid chipset powering the device. But it's just one of several budget options among the best Samsung phones — just be aware that rumors point to a Galaxy S23 FE coming out later this year.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review.

Picking which Samsung phone to buy is primarily driven by budget considerations. You're not going to spring for a Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example, if you're not prepared with at least $1,199 even if you opt to spread those payments out over time. But other factors need to be taken into consideration as well.

Start with how you use your smartphone. If it's primarily a productivity device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 4 are appealing, despite their high price tags, because they both support the S Pen. (Like the S22 Ultra before it, the S23 Ultra comes with an S Pen; the stylus is an optional add-on for Samsung's foldable.) If you turn to your phone for photography, the Galaxy S series is usually first in line for Samsung's camera innovations, and all three S23 models offer impressive camera features — particularly the 200MP main camera on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. (Check out our initial 200MP camera test results.)

Budget-minded shoppers have a plethora of options, from the reduced price tags of the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 FE to the midrange Galaxy A series. You can also find discounts on Samsung phones by buying directly from the phone maker and trading in your current device. Check out the best Samsung phone deals for the latest savings.

With the Galaxy S23 release now behind us, Samsung will likely turn to its midrange phones next. We've already seen the low-cost Galaxy A14 at CES 2023 followed by the Galaxy A54. The Galaxy S22 FE has been dropped from Samsung's plans, but there could be a Galaxy S23 FE in the second half of this year. Also around that time, we're expecting to see new versions of Samsung's foldable phones in the form of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.

In order for a smartphone to make our best phone list, it needs to excel on several tests that we run on every handset. We perform some of these tests in our labs and some in the real world. See our detailed explanation on how Tom's Guide tests and reviews smartphones for more information.

When it comes to performance, we rely on such synthetic benchmarks as Geekbench 5 and 3DMark to measure graphics performance. These tests allow us to compare performance across iPhones and Android devices. We also run a real-world video transcoding test on each phone using the Adobe Premiere Rush app and time the result. (We unfortunately have to skip this test on some phones due to app compatibility issues, but we attempt this benchmark with each device we get in to review.)

To measure the quality of a phone's display, we perform lab tests to determine the brightness of the panel (in nits), as well as how colorful each screen is (DCI-P3 color gamut). In these cases, higher numbers are better. We also measure color accuracy of each panel with a Delta-E rating, where lower numbers are better and score of 0 is perfect.

There are several different types of grout. However, in general, there are two unique varieties: sanded and unsanded.

Choosing which type of tile grout will work best will depend on your project and what you hope to accomplish. In general, the grout you’ll want to work with will be dependent on the size of the tiles you’re using.

If you’re buying grout, it’ll be in its dry state when you purchase it. Sanded grout, in particular, features the following components:

The addition of sand gives sanded grout a much more coarse and grainy texture. The appearance, too, will look a bit less smooth. This rougher texture makes it less than ideal for certain polished tiles, and you shouldn’t use it in close contact with delicate materials such as marble.

It is best to use sanded grout when the joints between your tiles will be greater than 1/8-inch. This is because the sand will hold better between these larger joints. It is also much less likely to give you visible cracks in the grout work.

To best use sanded grout, be sure you clean it off all tile surfaces after installation and before it gets the chance to harden. Once it has hardened or cured, you should coat it with some form of sealant so as to prevent staining and discoloration.

The curing of sanded grout usually takes about 72 hours. No matter the design of your tiles, you should be able to find a color that will work. Sanded grout is available in a wide variety of different colors.

If you’re installing tiles, you need to utilize grout. But what do you do when you need a sleeker-looking grout that isn’t so coarse? Enter, unsanded grout.

Unsanded grout features all the same components as sanded grout, minus the sand, of course. This gives it a much smoother texture, but less binding power.

For joints less than 1/8-inch thick, unsanded grout is the best option. It’s also good for projects that feature more delicate materials, such as marble. Projects featuring mosaic tiles should also consider unsanded grout.

Unsanded grout will take just as long as sanded grout to cure, about 72 hours. However, unsanded grout may require a bit more effort to actually get the joints between the tiles because it is far more sticky than sanded grout. Take care to put forth this effort though, especially if you want your tiles to stick.

You can find unsanded grout in a wide variety of colors, similar to sanded grout. You should also finish the project in much the same way, by coating it to protect it.  If the price of these products concerns you, worry not. Sanded and unsanded grout are usually both in a similar price range.

You won’t always need a grout additive, though some form of sealant is typically recommended. You can get both primary and secondary sealants. Either way, you need to be protecting your grout. Grout additives allow you to add strength, color, or flexibility to your grout mixture. For certain projects, these additives are a necessity.

Mixed-in or “primary” sealants are a liquid that typically takes the place of water in grout mixtures. The goals of mixed-in sealants are generally the same as secondary sealants that are applied after installation is complete. These goals include:

Some sealants may also claim to strengthen the grout and provide it with more longevity. If you use a mixed-in sealant, there is often no reason to use a secondary sealant after installation. There are certain sealants designed for sanded and unsanded grout use. Be sure to check that your sealant and grout are compatible before you begin mixing the grout.

If you want your grout to be a bit more flexible, latex additives are your new best friend. With a latex additive, you receive benefits such as:

Latex additives are especially great for kitchen or bathroom grout, as they may allow the grout to cure harder and prevent moisture penetration.

Both sanded and unsanded grouts come in a wide variety of colors. However, these still may not be to your particular liking. If that’s the case, there are color additives you can buy to customize your grout’s appearance.

Color additives come in powdered form. They are easy to add to your grout and water or grout and sealant mixture. The amount of pigment you apply will change the color, though your grout will dry lighter than it appears in the mixture.

There are even special color additives, such as glitter or glow-in-the-dark powders that can make your grout look even more unique.

Now that you know the basic components of a grout mixture, you’re finally ready to start mixing some of your own! To start, gather all your materials. This includes:

Start by putting an appropriate amount of water in your bucket first. Adding the water in first makes the grout a bit easier to mix, and makes it less likely you’ll leave clumps of grout sticking to the bottom of your bucket.

You can always add more water as you mix if the consistency is incorrect. It’s always best to use soft or distilled water, as hard water can leave behind an unappealing white residue.

Start small by only mixing a half or quarter of your grout powder to begin with. This way, if your ratios are wrong, you can easily add more. You should also add in your grout additives using the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The grout manufacturer should tell you how much of each ingredient to use, but start with a smaller amount and work your way up. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take any away once you’ve added it.

To mix your grout, tilt your bucket to a 45-degree angle. This allows you a better view of the mixture, so you can ensure it’s been thoroughly mixed.

Use a grout knife or a small trowel to combine the mixture. You should keep mixing grout until there are no lumps. This is how you’ll know you’ve incorporated all the powder.

It’s best to hand-mix your grout, especially with smaller projects. This will prevent the formation of air bubbles and limit any unfortunate discoloration. Air bubbles may also weaken your grout, which ruins the integrity of your project.

As you mix, be sure to check the consistency of your grout. You can make adjustments by adding more or less water and/or powder.

If you’re mixing grout for your walls, it should have a strong, thick consistency. It should be easily moldable and not too moist, similar to bread dough. Floor grout will be a bit smoother, like peanut butter.

The best grout will require a bit of effort to put into place. This lets you know that it’s strong enough to hold up your project.

You should add any additional powder or water gradually. Then remix it to ensure all ingredients are appropriately incorporated.

Once you’re pleased with the consistency, let the grout mixture sit, or “slake,” for about 10 minutes. This gives the chemicals in each ingredient time to bond and strengthen.

The grout will look a bit thicker after the slaking process is complete. Don’t worry and don’t add more water. Simply use your grout knife to re-mix the mixture once more before application.

Grout that hasn’t been properly slaked tends to be weaker. This creates a higher likelihood of cracks or chips in your project, giving them much less longevity.

Once the grout has been slaked and re-mixed one final time, you can begin grout installation and tiling.